GH Special Episode On Tap: A Look At What Would Sonny’s Life Would Have Been Like If He Wasn’t In The Mob

This fall, Maurice Benard has been celebrating his 25th year as mobster Sonny Corinthos on General Hospital. He was recently onSoap Nation Live!teasing a special episode that was in the works. Now we know what it is when it was revealed by GH and ABC this week.

Coming up on Monday’s November 12th episode, Maurice will be featured in a special episode of a “What If?” nature. In it, the soap opera takes a look and what Sonny’s life would have been like if he had not fallen into a life of crime and joined the mob.

Featured in the altered look of Sonny’s life will be Benard’s real-life son, Joshua, who will play a young Sonny. Additionally, back for this one episode is Dominic Zamprogna as Sonny’s son, Dante Falconeri.

I have been watching Maurice Benard since he was Nico Kelly on “All My Children.” I have been a long-time fan. I remember when he first started on “General Hospital.” I hated that he was causing trouble between Karen and Jagger. I LOVED when Sonny was paired with Brenda. Sonny and Brenda were my version of Luke and Laura. I rushed home every day from school to watch. I recorded the show on my VCR. I watched their scenes repeatedly on VHS tapes. Although, I dislike what TPTB have done to the character over the years, I am still a fan, and admire Maurice for his work. More importantly, he is an advocate for the mental health network. I’ll definitely be watching on Monday. I LOVED the AVA-Centric episode.

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November 8, 2018 7:49 am

Jamesj75

I have a few “what ifs” for you:

What if the role of Sonny Corinthos had never been created on GH? What if the GH producers/writers refused to focus for 2 and a half decades on such a despicable, dark, abusive character? What if TPTB had refused to hyperpromote a character with no redeeming features as its lead? What if TPTB refused to create a storyline stranglehold of mob glorification? What if TPTB instead focused primarily on the hospital staff and intrigue? What if TPTB instead had chosen to give proper respect to many veteran actors and beloved characters to dole out precious airtime? What if TPTB had taken the temerity to provide a moral center to the show?

Needless to say, I won’t be watching this travesty!

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November 8, 2018 8:00 am

Shay

You are not alone there, James! Those are quite simply beautiful “what-ifs!!!” Much along the same line of my first thought when I saw this headline…as in how about an episode like “It’s A Wonderful Life” where GH examines what a Sonny-less existence could have meant to Port Charles??? Of course, even if the show runners deigned to undertake such a storyline, we would be treated to the sycophantic notion that it simply could not have been nearly as magical without the mighty “Corinthos” gracing its presence over these last three decades. Regardless, I’ll also take a pass on this one…as well as, second the motion deeming this latest piece of OTT Sonny worship a “travesty!”

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November 8, 2018 6:26 pm

Jamesj75

Thanks a million for the backup, Shay! So glad we were thinking the same thing and that we’re sympatico on this point, as are a large percentage of GH viewers. It’s the lone (enduring) annoyance/disappointment for me on what was once my must-see favorite soap. I feel ill that the viewers have been force-fed this tripe for so long. But your analysis of the mindset of TPTB is sadly correct. Take care, Friend!

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November 8, 2018 8:30 pm

Shay

@Gentleman James…My pleasure! Yes, we are simpatico on this point, and probably many others, too, as long as we steer clear from certain particular areas where we quite obviously do not share (in your own spot-on and highly descriptive words….) an “important commonality!” Still, I’m delighted we can see past those few “issues” and continue to mutually enjoy those views regarding matters upon which we do indeed see eye to eye. I really wish I knew you in “real life,” because I do believe we could have some truly fascinating conversations encompassing all sorts of subjects beyond our shared disdain for the decades-long Sonny-centic nature of GH!!! ‘Twould be most enlightening…..and probably full of wonderful surprises, too! Take care, my friend!

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November 9, 2018 8:36 pm

Jamesj75

Shay, so glad I popped in on this discussion. Given the subject matter, it was clearly an open invitation for those of us who don’t care for this character and accompanying, overwhelming storylines. But the warm reception I have received from you is terrific. Thank you for that, Friend! I am sure I would find you just as enjoyable in real life as well! 🙂

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November 11, 2018 9:50 am

Shay

Thank you, James! Given your many interesting posts throughout the years, I’m sure we would find much to discuss, and I dare say, even those areas in which there is little agreement between us would probably provide much fodder for some very lively discussions! Incidentally, I’m not one to mind those who hold opposing opinions, provided they present their views without rancor or personal insults, and yours fill that bill! Oh, and by the way, I do believe I have found the perfect Christmas present for you…(Hint: Check the latest GH-based thread of November 12…what a nifty stocking stuffer—-NOT!—for all who share the same views regarding the subject of this article!!! I’ve already reserved two copies in order to gift both CeeCee and you! Lol…) Later, my friend!

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November 12, 2018 6:54 pm

Jamesj75

Thank you, Shay! Likewise on your posts! And the stocking stuffers for CeeCee and me are hysterical!

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November 13, 2018 10:20 pm

Patrick

it’s like mid term election… every 4 years… during that 2 year interim… we gotta dig in and it gets repeat.. sure.. as much as I hate it.. YOU are given chance to write.. we have no choice.. so bear witness.. that GH has stuck with DULLARDS Sonny and Carly w/ Michael.. Josslyn.. they are not interesting… they dice… they give us Laura.. yes its staggeringly priceless.. who the show features even more.. Sonny and Carly… as Carly who will never be redeemable.. as a woman… is having the bad dreams.. needs to be coalesced.. WITH the same SHIT ? oh god.. I ‘m glad Laura is HOME.. GLAD … dang it give it to Jon Lindsrom… you are stretching the canvas…

JUST STOP !!!!! writing for Sonny and Carly !!!! STOP IT

i’m going to love Spencer i’m going to love Laura reunion with Kevin

I’m LOVING to bits.. BRITTA look how much she can share as a whole canvas salute she’s worth every penny

Brad lightening up with Britta… dag COME ON… it’s like a distraction from witnessing a true gay coupling.. w/Child.. i’d be crying covering… LOVING on my family… all the way …. bring Britta

there ARE distraction… a whole canvas to dry out and wallah… oh my god you have much to draw on

any way… Carly bad dreams and insistence with Jason.. MUST KNOW.. who her cell mate was

Mac and Felicia stand tall… who cares what I write now… Sonny is tearing in to Margo… wah blah blah… he shares what went down… asked and answered.. Margo will cower come forward… another story start

oh my god.. ^^^ this thread is further proof @GH TPTB – AND – writers attention is ; but they muck it up and the discord ; they don’t get it ; get out of New York and be in the thick of things… care about your work… WRITING IS

why would I want to see Sonny and Carly and Jason and Sam… IN A Kevin / Felicia / Mac / Laura / etc… this is NOT their story… WAH … Frank !?!? what gives

I fast forward on nothing… I watch your work.. 365 days…you suck

Felicia and Mac would have been fascinating with Bobbi, Scotty , Anna, Lucy, Laura just top line

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November 10, 2018 12:25 am

Jamesj75

Patrick, your commentary is always fascinating and enjoyable! I am in constant agreement with what you write. Thanks for telling it like it is, Friend! 🙂

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November 11, 2018 9:51 am

rebecca1

Hey james; (see? we found each other again!)

I agree with your sentiments but you wouldn’t believe how your face would have been bitten off (LOL; you get my drift) if you’d posted that on FB or Twitter. The Sonny/Carly fans are rabid and basically repeat the same question: “Why do you watch GH if you don’t like Sonny and Carly? They ARE GH!” And then they pat each other on their virtual backs, high-fiving the next poster who puts you in your place.

Sigh. Calling Lila…can you hear us?????

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November 9, 2018 7:11 am

Jamesj75

Hi Rebecca! Yes, glad we are able to see each other’s feedback! I am aware that those GH characters do have their fans, and I’ve heard that they are vocal on those social media sites. Thankfully, I have chosen to steer clear of them, although I do see some benefit for others. Anyone here is free to disagree with me, too. All in all, I am happy to leave my face intact! Love the Lila reference! 🙂

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November 9, 2018 8:09 am

rebecca1

Hahahaha; now THAT was funny! “leave my face intact!” I agree. I wouldn’t want them to mess with your adorable, errrrr, handsome…errrr, rugged….errr…virtual reality face!

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November 9, 2018 7:15 pm

Patrick

i’m not going to tap that much in… as I’ve scaped the pattern… be with it says.. don’t let the donor know she’s in drive

TWITTER AND going to the direct scene .. of matter and hi

coalesce

I’m not going to tune in on their right

Shelly Chris and Frank are not in tune

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November 10, 2018 12:35 am

jaybird369

James…as always, THANK YOU…THANK YOU for being the voice of reason!!!!! I have a feeling that TIIC at GH are using this so-called special episode as an excuse to FOOLISHLY prop Sonny up even further!!!!! I (for one) AM NOT FOOLED here…AT ALL!!!!! NO!!!!!

Have a good one, dude.

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November 12, 2018 8:46 am

Jamesj75

Thank YOU, jaybird369! You’re absolutely right. And they’ve been trying to prop up (aka force-feed) this awful character for far too long. Take care, Friend!

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November 12, 2018 4:31 pm

Jimh

I like the actor but not the character…the Corinthos will never win me over except for Dante….bugs me how the writers can find endless things for newbies like Chase and Peter but nothing for Dante, Mac and Felicia who we wouldnt see if it wasnt for the Ryan story then they will disappear again just like Brad and Lucas will once the baby reveal comes…Laura/Ryan story is the only thing plus the return of Britt that keeps me watching!!!!

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November 8, 2018 9:29 am

Patrick

I’ve decided i’m taken with Willow.. she has dark shades; both: Chase and Michael… this is a ladies treat dig in; i’m going to love “Katelyn MacMullen”

both actors see the tease walk dance , coming Chad Duell.. AND Josh Swickard.. i’m giving Duell SHOT.. because of the SUPPORTING PROP always GIVEN the Corinthos

otherwise.. because I know the end game… “no on messes with my family ” blah blah blech

sorry ass tale

as soon as Brad and Lucas lose the baby… end suck game… the corinthos’ oh well

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November 10, 2018 12:41 am

Soaphound

It seems this is similar to the Y&R annual episodes where a character has a series of life-changing epiphanies via flashbacks or “what-ifs”. Billy Miller won his first Emmy for his Billy Abbott revelations back in 2010. But I just can’t get enthused about another “Corinthos-centric” story. I’m sure it will be well-acted, etc., but I’m not holding my breath. Sorry.

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November 8, 2018 10:47 am

su000

It’s not good nor bad.. It’s nothing special but still will be fun to watch, hopefully.

The writers are obviously struggling, they are void of intriguing stories and that is a tragedy. When will GH clean house and bring in a staff that has new ideas and are not lazy? Out with old in with the new !!

So- it will be interesting to see if I’m moved in any direction by it or if it’s just another Monday episode.

((GH has become way way way too mushy cuddly and has killed its true-self by destroying everything that made it unique and drama filled. No villains, no suspense, no action, no intrigue, no shockers, no mysteries, no dark creepy devious people, no intense cliffhangers, no spellbinding moments, as once was- It’s become sinners, and lovers- it’s all talk no action. ehhhh ..has anyone noticed the looooong boring conversations of no real substance=fodder filler that leads to nothing..

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November 8, 2018 1:52 pm

Violet Lemm

I think Sonny’s life, based on the background we are given here, and without his dad, growing up, would have made him just a two-bit hoodlum. Scully was a big influence on him, making him into the career criminal he is today. The one thing Scully can’t take credit for, is the kind hearted, loving man that Sonny turned into. So many people see Sonny in only colors of black and white, good or bad, but there is much more to him than that. With him, what you see is what you get. He doesn’t talk out of both sides of his mouth or influence anyone that his way, is the only way. I also feel, he keeps the show interesting, and think he’s been on GH long enough to be considered a veteran. Why do we have to have the boring old-timers, such as Bobbie and Lucy, Felicia, etc. I don’t know what it is with some viewers fascination with these three old women, snore!! I’ve said enough, sorry, this old pot is falling asleep.

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November 8, 2018 4:57 pm

Michael

I really liked this episode and thought that they finally gave Dominic Zamprogna an interesting story, which they never did when he was a contract player.

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November 13, 2018 1:24 am

AVP

I liked the episode. I am a fan of Maurice Benard. I love Maura West. I liked how Kelly Monaco lost her monotone. I was happy that they did not include #insipidlulu. I would have liked Jason to have been portrayed as a Quartermaine, and for them to not have continued to decimate AJ’s memory. I’ve always liked Sean Kanan as AJ, and never liked what the writers did to his character.

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November 13, 2018 8:26 am

jaybird369

My curiosity got the better of me (lol)…so I decided to watch that so-called special episode of GH (11/12). Man…what a joke?!?!? Sonny as a COP…BEYOND LAUGHABLE!!!!! And Carly as a Quartermaine…EVEN MORE LAUGHABLE!!!!! TRULY DUMB EPISODE ALL-AROUND!!!!!

Marci Miller Final DAYS Episode Airs Today As She Shares Heartfelt Goodbye: “Thanks For The Sweet Ride, Abby”

November 19, 2018

In two years time, Marci Miller became a household name in the daytime arena as one of the brightest talents to grace the soap opera genre in a very long time.

Now today on Monday November 19th, viewers of Days of our Lives are watching her final episode as she wraps up her run as Abigail Deveraux on the NBC soap opera.

And what a run it was! Earning her a Daytime Emmy nomination for Lead Actress this year, and a possible nomination next year, Miller was heralded for her gut-wrenching performances in the DID storyline (Dissociative Identity Disorder) where she played Abby’s alters, Dr. Laura and Gabby. Not to mention her complex love story with Chad DiMera (Billy Flynn).

Photo Credit: JPI Studios

On key episodes today, Miller’s Abby goes toe to toe with a vindictive Gabi (Camila Banus) who gloats how Abby ended up back in a sanitarium … thanks to her!

Miller made the decision to leave DAYS and pursue a career in feature film and primetime TV roles

In an Instagram post, Miller shared:”This is a picture of me 2 yrs ago, painting my nails (and a dear friend’s while I’m at it) for a screen test the next morning to play a woman named Abigail Deveraux Dimera on Days of Our Lives. Who would’ve thought?! This morning I sit in the same exact spot knowing that today, my last episode will air as this beloved character. I reflect, and am grateful. I am better for having been a part of it all. Knowing I’ve laid her in a pair of loving and capable hands does me good. Thanks for the sweet ride, Abby. My heart is full today. Xx #Days#Milly#Chabby”

So, send your well-wishes to Marci here as we give her a standing ovation for an incredible job well-done for her portrayal of Abby et al. Will you miss Marci? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.

Intriguing casting news out of Port Charles on Sunday. The ABC daytime drama series has tapped former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star Janet Hubert to play the character of Yvonne,who is said to be a love interest for Mike (Max Gail) at the nursing home he is now in.

According to EW.com, Yvonne will end up having a connection to someone or someones on the canvas.

Hubert’s first episode is slated to air on December 7th. Sitcom fans remember Janet from “Fresh Prince’ in scenes with Will Smith in the series in the role of Vivian Banks.

GH is not Janet’s first soap, either. She appeared on One Life to Live as Evangeline Williamson’s (Renee Elise Goldsberry) and Layla Williamsom’s (Tika Sumpter) mother, Lisa. The actress also appeared on All My Children as Alice Dawson.

In another twist, Hubert will reunite with Vernee Watson (Stella)om GH. The two appeared together on “Fresh Prince”, where Watson played Will’s mother.

So does this mean that Yvonne and Stella are both going to be romantically interested in Mike Corbin?

What do you think of the casting news? Interested to see this next leg of Mike’s story as he declines from Alzheimer’s, but may find love? Comment below.

Soaps Lift Boycott Threat Of Daytime Emmys

November 17, 2018

In a key move to allow those performers in front of the camera and behind the scenes crew and creatives to be acknowledged for their accomplishments this calendar year, the four daytime dramas collectively have decided to lift their threatened boycott and participate in the upcoming 46th annual Daytime Emmy competition.

This comes after the four network soaps (Days of our Lives, General Hospital, The Bold and the Beautiful, and The Young and the Restless) banded together after being unsatisfied with snafu’s coming out of the 45th annual Daytime Emmy Awards earlier this year in April, and a list of grievances and concerns they asked to be addressed by the organization that administers the Emmy contest.

Then, following an internal investigation by NATAS by the law firm of Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth of Washington, DC, the results which were released on November 8th, and being in receipt of their findings, the soaps decided to move forward while still having concerns they want addressed.

In a statement from the group, a spokesperson related to Deadline, who broke the story late Friday: “As a group, we are not in agreement with all of the conclusions that NATAS reached. However, in the spirit of working with NATAS and the TV Academy on improving the integrity of the Daytime Emmys, we have lifted our boycott. We look forward to meeting with NATAS to discuss their findings and our concerns in greater detail.”

On Saturday, someone close to the situation said to Michael Fairman TV: “Our participation doesn’t mean we accept their proposal moving forward, we still have major issues that we will be discussing with the Chair and President (of NATAS), but as a collective whole, we don’t want to penalize our actors for NATAS’ mis-management.”

The 46th Annual Daytime Emmy submissions began earlier this week on November 12th, with the Daytime Emmys slated to be handed out in early May of 2019.

So, are you glad that the network soaps have lifted their threatened boycott so that your favorite performers, whose performances you have loved over the last 11 months can be acknowledged for their talents and hard work? Share your thoughts via the comment section below.